Volvo begins global trials of 9400 PX Multi-Axle Bus with KSRTC

We have been quite vocal in our love towards Volvo even when this blog was in its nascent stages. Need proof? Check this out. Three years down the line, there is still no change in what we think of this Swedish manufacturer. If at all, our love and respect towards Volvo has only grown multifold. Here is a company that introduced this whole concept of luxurious inter-city road transportation to us Indians that made the erstwhile Tatas and Ashok Leyands run for cover. Despite charging a hefty premium, Volvo was able to justify its price tag in a market that is known to be extremely price-sensitive. Quite surprisingly, both private fleet operators and government transport undertakings embraced Volvos like no other creating a new 'class' in intercity bus travel.

There were ordinary, deluxe and super deluxe buses, and then there was 'Volvo' to choose from. Who knows, there still might be a whole lot of people who think that all luxury buses are called Volvos, quite similar to copying machines being called as ‘xerox’ machines. Such is their popularity and dominance.

With Volvo, the standard of safety and comfort for passengers reached a new high, traveling time between destinations reduced considerably and all other global brands suddenly started looking at India as a preferred market. More importantly, fatigue levels of drivers reduced considerably as Volvos were relatively much easier to navigate. All these factors paid off handsomely making Volvo the darling of the transportation sector. But, instead of resting on the laurels of its first generation model, the company kept updating its portfolio. In fact, since making its Indian debut in the year 2001, Volvo has introduced something new every year, the most recent being its flagship 9400 Multi-Axle coach that is a smash hit in the market.

And no, Volvo isn’t stopping with that. For the first time, a luxury bus made its global debut in India as Volvo took the wraps off the 9400 PX at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. After 8 months, the first 9400 PX hit the road recently, as Volvo went to its trusted partner KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) for conducting real-world trials of the all-new model. That's right, KSRTC is the first in the world to try out the 9400 PX.

So, what differentiates the 9400 PX from the regular 9400 Multi-Axle coach?

First of all, with a length of 14.5 meters, the Volvo 9400 PX is the longest multi-axle bus to have ever graced Indian roads, discounting the articulated buses plying in a few cities. Thankfully, the steerable rear tag axle ensures that navigating this bus is as easy, or as tough, as the regular 9400. Built on Volvo’s new light-weight PX platform, the 9400 PX offers better acceleration, grade-ability and stability. Powering the 9400 PX is a stonker of an engine with a displacement of 11 liters and a power output of 370 bhp. It also comes fitted with the technologically advanced I-Shift manual transmission with automatic gear changing system. This system comes with 12 gear ratios and automatically adjusts itself to the prevailing conditions. It not only makes the driver’s job easier, but also improves ride comfort, fuel efficiency and braking power. Inside the cabin, customers can choose to install a slew of luxury features including pantry, wi-fi and toilet.

Well, what do we say? Just like they did many times before, Volvo, along with KSRTC, has taken intercity travel to an all-new level with the 9400 PX. It is going to be extremely difficult for the pursuers, be it our own Tata or Ashok Leyland or even global majors like Mercedes-Benz or Scania, to match the standards set by Volvo. That is, if they decide to enter the fray. Until then, the Volvo juggernaut will continue to roll on.